engagement ring

American  

noun

1. a ring, often a diamond, given by a man to his fiancée at the time of their engagement as a token of their betrothal.

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engagement ring British  

noun

1. a ring given by a man to a woman as a token of their betrothal

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Etymology

Origin of engagement ring

First recorded in 1860–65

Example Sentences

When Kelley Long’s roughly two-year marriage ended, she fought to keep her diamond engagement ring, which she estimates cost $10,000.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 20, 2026

Bernadette also told the court that in subsequent meetings McCullagh had shown her an engagement ring, spoken about renovating his home and that there was an integrated school near his Lisburn home.

From BBC • Mar. 4, 2026

He then asked a member of staff to order an engagement ring, which arrived from Amazon within two days.

From BBC • Feb. 6, 2026

The scariest thing about buying my fiancée’s engagement ring wasn’t the months of saving up money, nor the anxiety of wondering if she’d love every little detail of the ring I’d picked out for her.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 3, 2026

I open it—the necklace chain’s there, but the engagement ring is gone.

From "The House That Lou Built" by Mae Respicio